This Thursday Save The Bay will hold its annual Taste of The Bay fundraiser from 7-9 p.m. The event, which follows Save The Bay’s annual meeting at 5:30 p.m., takes place in and around the organization’s coastal headquarters in Providence. Ticket holders attending this celebration of the flavors, sights and sounds of Narragansett Bay will enjoy tastings of locally-grown, -sourced and -harvested food and beverages from local restaurants, fishermen, bakeries, breweries and caterers, as well as live music and a raffle.

“There’s no better way to kick off summertime on Narragansett Bay than with a celebration of the benefits of healthy, local waters,” said Save The Bay Events Manager Leanne Danielsen. “We hope that by bringing the community together for this event, we can both enjoy the products from and around the Bay, and take a moment to remember how important Narragansett Bay is to both our local economy and our quality of life.”

The rain-or-shine event will feature acoustic music by Bob Tomassone on the lawn and patio, as well as raffle gift cards and baskets donated by local food trucks, restaurants, entertainment and businesses. Taste of The Bay guests are also invited to arrive early to attend the organization’s annual meeting at 5:30 pm, during which Save The Bay will present its annual environmental awards.

Taste of The Bay will welcome more than two dozen Rhode Island vendors to the event this year, including: Absolut Vodka, American Mussel Harvesters, Inc., Artifact Cider Project, Bellichi’s Best Biscotti, Blount Fine Foods, “Fat Free Bob” Tomassone, The Burgundian: Coffee & Waffles, Celestial Café, Cozy Caterers, Edible Arrangements (Providence), Emery’s Catering, FIFCO USA, Fire Works Catering, Foolproof Brewing Company, GG’s Pretzels, Gooseneck Vineyards, The Granny Squibb Company, Grey Sail Brewing Company, Gulf Stream Bar & Grille, Matunuck Oyster Bar, Narragansett Beer, Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co, Pranzi Catering & Events, Rhode Island Shellfisherman’s Association, Sarcastic Sweets, Sarto, Sin Desserts, Snapchef, Sons of Liberty Spirits, Two Ten Oyster Bar, and Whalers Brewing Company.

"Taste of The Bay is an incredible event because you can literally taste the benefits of all of the work that Save The Bay does tirelessly each and every day,” said Emma Haskell, Projects Manager at the Granny Squibb Company. “Narragansett Bay is the lifeblood of Rhode Island and plays a huge role in not only the health of our state itself, but the health of all of us. This event is a wonderful reminder that together we can make positive change that spans generations, species and industries."

Taste of The Bay is sponsored by Navigant Credit Union, REI, Sage Family Foundation, Absolut, Locke Lord, UNFI, F.L. Putnam Investment Management Company, Sarto, Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty, Rhode Island Association of Realtors, Regency Plaza Apartments, and Howes Lubricator.

Tickets for Taste of The Bay ($50) are on sale now, and a full list of vendors and sponsors can be found at savebay.org/taste. The event will be held at Save The Bay’s headquarters at 100 Save The Bay Drive, Providence. Ample parking will be available, including shuttle service to and from lots on the nearby Johnson & Wales University Harborside Campus. For information, including sponsorship inquiries, contact Leanne Danielsen at 272-3540 x140 or ldanielsen@savebay.org.